Leh, June 28 -- The Ladakh Administration has imposed a total penalty of Rs 2 lakh on four tourists for illegal off-roading in Pangong Lake and other protected wildlife areas, marking the first time such stringent action has been taken against offenders in the Union Territory, according to an official release.

The action was taken on the directions of Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to curb the growing menace of tourists driving vehicles through ecologically sensitive lakes, streams and protected wildlife habitats, the release issued by the Lieutenant Governor's Secretariat said.

According to the release, the Wildlife Department on June 26 imposed a penalty of Rs 50,000 each on four vehicle owners from Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Punjab...